How to Cook Mackerel? Grilled, Pan-Fried and Baked Mackerel

Summary

How to cook mackerel depends on the cooking method you prefer. Mackerel can be grilled, pan-fried or baked. Mackerel cooked in a cast iron pan is another practical option that helps the surface brown nicely. In this guide, you can find different cooking methods, approximate cooking times and practical tips.

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients for Cooking Mackerel

• 2 cleaned mackerel

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Thyme, optional

• Garlic, optional

• Rocket and parsley, to serve

How to Cook Mackerel?

Before cooking, clean the mackerel and dry it thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper, then prepare it using your preferred cooking method.

As mackerel is naturally an oily fish, you may not need to add a large amount of oil during cooking.

How to Grill Mackerel?

1. Dry the cleaned mackerel and season with salt.

2. Brush the fish with a thin layer of olive oil.

3. Preheat the grill.

4. Place the mackerel on the grill.

5. Cook each side for approximately 4–5 minutes.

6. Remove from the grill once the outside is browned and the fish is cooked through.

7. Serve hot with lemon and fresh greens.

Grilling time may vary depending on the size of the fish and the heat level. Avoid overcooking the fish to help prevent the texture from becoming dry.

How to Cook Mackerel in a Cast Iron Pan?

To prepare mackerel in a cast iron pan, first preheat the pan over a medium heat.

Dry the mackerel thoroughly and season with salt and black pepper. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and place the fish in it.

Cook each side for approximately 4–5 minutes. You can check whether the fish is cooked when the surface is browned and the flesh starts to separate easily.

When cooking fish in a cast iron pan, avoid overcrowding the pan and turning the fish more often than necessary.

How to Cook Mackerel in a Frying Pan?

For pan-fried mackerel, season the cleaned and dried fish with salt and black pepper.

Preheat the frying pan and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the mackerel in the pan and cook one side for approximately 4–5 minutes. Carefully turn the fish and cook the other side.

Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the fish and avoid allowing the outside to become overly dry.

How to Bake Mackerel?

1. Clean and dry the mackerel.

2. Season with salt and black pepper.

3. Brush the fish with a small amount of olive oil.

4. Place the fish in an ovenproof dish.

5. Add lemon slices on top.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for approximately 20–25 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven when the flesh separates easily.

When baking mackerel, you can also cook onions, lemon and different vegetables alongside the fish.

Tips for Cooking Mackerel

As mackerel is an oily fish, you may not need to use much additional oil. Drying the surface of the fish thoroughly before cooking can help it brown more effectively in a frying pan or on a grill.

Preheating the frying pan or grill is also important. Placing the fish on a surface that is not hot enough may cause the skin to stick.

Instead of turning the fish frequently, allow one side to cook sufficiently before carefully turning it for better results.

How Long Does Mackerel Take to Cook?

Cooking time varies depending on the method and size of the fish:

• Grill: approximately 8–10 minutes

• Frying pan: approximately 8–10 minutes

• Cast iron pan: approximately 8–10 minutes

• Oven: approximately 20–25 minutes

These are approximate cooking times. The size of the fish, the temperature of the cooking surface and oven performance can all affect the cooking time.

How to Serve Mackerel?

Serve cooked mackerel with lemon, rocket, parsley and a seasonal salad. Baked vegetables or potatoes can also be served alongside oven-baked mackerel.

Serving mackerel hot when cooked in a cast iron pan or on a grill can help preserve its flavour and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cook Mackerel

How do you cook mackerel?

Mackerel can be grilled, pan-fried or baked. Once you have chosen the cooking method, adjust the cooking time according to the size of the fish and cook it carefully until done.

How long does mackerel take to cook on the grill?

Mackerel generally takes around 8–10 minutes to cook on the grill. The size of the fish and the grill temperature can affect the cooking time.

How do you cook mackerel in a frying pan?

Dry the mackerel and season with salt and black pepper. Cook both sides in a preheated frying pan with a small amount of olive oil for approximately 4–5 minutes per side.

Can you cook mackerel in a cast iron pan?

Yes. Mackerel can be cooked in a cast iron pan. Preheat the pan and cook the fish on both sides using a small amount of oil.

How long does mackerel take to cook in the oven?

Mackerel can take approximately 20–25 minutes to cook in a 200°C oven, depending on the size of the fish. Check the texture of the fish and adjust the cooking time as needed.